VAZ-2113
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | April 1, 1966 in Tolyatti, Soviet Union |
| Headquarters | Tolyatti , Russia |
| Products | Automobiles, including VAZ-2108 (Lada Samara) |
The VAZ-2108, commonly known as the Lada Samara across much of Western Europe and initially branded as the Lada Sputnik within Russia, represents a line of small family cars manufactured by the Soviet and later Russian automaker AvtoVAZ under the Lada label from 1984 until 2013. The "Samara" designation was originally reserved for export markets, while domestically the vehicle was called "Sputnik" until 1991, when the sedan variant adopted the Samara nameplate. Notably, it was the Soviet Union's first front-wheel drive production automobile since the LuAZ-969V. Throughout its production span, the Samara underwent various updates and redesigns before production ceased in December 2013.
VAZ-2108
Blending durable engineering with straightforward maintenance and contemporary design, the Samara was available in three-, four-, and five-door configurations, equipped with petrol engines ranging from 1.1 to 1.5 litres. VAZ developed the Samara to replace its outdated Fiat 124-based "Zhiguli" lineup and to establish a foothold in mainstream European markets. It marked VAZ’s second original design effort after the Niva SUV and was their first model not derived from Fiat 124 mechanical components.
Development
The initial front-wheel drive prototype by VAZ, designated VAZ-1101, emerged in the early 1970s featuring an engine from the Fiat 127. This concept evolved into a 900 cc three-door hatchback prototype called Ladoga in 1976. The official decision to commence production of what would become the Samara was made on 16 September 1978, with a focus on strong export potential to Western Europe. Various body styles were explored; however, the saloon shared sheetmetal forward of the C-pillar with the three-door hatchback, while a four-door variant was later developed as the VAZ-2110. Design teams analyzed competitors such as the Renault 9, Volkswagen Golf Mk1, Ford Escort Mark III, Opel Kadett, and Volvo 340. The Samara introduced several innovations to Soviet cars, including MacPherson strut front suspension, torsion bar rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering.
The first prototype of the VAZ-2108 was completed on 31 December 1979. Known within Russia as "Sputnik" and colloquially as Vos'merka ("Eighth"), it was exported under the Samara name. Production commenced on 18 December 1984 with three-door hatchbacks powered by a belt-driven SOHC inline-four engine of 1,288 cc producing 65 hp paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Subsequent versions included five-door models and engines of 1,099 cc (destroked) and 1,499 cc (bored out). The cylinder head design involved collaboration with Porsche; carburetors were supplied by Solex.
In 1987, the range expanded to include the 21083 model featuring a five-speed gearbox and a 72 hp 1,499 cc engine, alongside an export-only 21081 equipped with a 53 hp 1,099 cc unit. Performance figures ranged from a top speed of approximately 87 mph for the smaller engine to around 97 mph for the larger displacement, with fuel consumption varying between 7.9 and 9.5 L/100km depending on engine size. That same year saw the introduction of the five-door hatchback variant (2109) offering similar powertrain options. In 1989, VAZ launched the four-door saloon version (21099), which featured a redesigned bonnet, grille, fenders, an extended rear overhang (+200 mm), and an upgraded dashboard; its front-end styling would later be adopted by hatchback models.
Later enhancements included fuel-injected engines to meet export emission standards. Early versions had separate front panels around headlights; later sedans incorporated integrated fenders and narrower grilles. Full-scale production of saloon models began in December 1990 with versions such as the 210993 (1288 cc) and standard 21099 (1499 cc). Positioned as a higher-end alternative to hatchbacks, this saloon was marketed under different names abroad: Diva in Belgium, Sagona in France, and Forma in Germany; Belgium also produced a locally assembled convertible variant. Smaller engine options were discontinued following export withdrawal; meanwhile, output for the 1.5-litre engine increased to 75 hp.
Special editions
A limited-production Samara three-door hatchback, designated 2108–91, was equipped with a two-rotor VAZ-415 Wankel engine (two rotors of 654 cc each) and sold exclusively within Russia. This model featured a five-speed transmission and was priced at 56,000 rubles. Despite its impressive top speed and acceleration of eight seconds to 100 km/h, it faced significant reliability problems and was primarily acquired by law enforcement and government agencies for high-speed pursuits. The 2109-91 five-door variant shared the same VAZ-415 rotary engine and gearbox.
Additionally, a rear-engine Samara 4x4 rally vehicle known as the NAMI 0290 was developed for the 1985 Soyuz Rally. It incorporated permanent four-wheel drive and housed a 1,568 cc engine derived from the Zhiguli series mounted over the rear axle. Nicknamed Appelsin ("orange") due to its distinctive paintwork, this model employed predominantly fiberglass body panels weighing , utilized ZAZ-1102 doors, and ran on original Samara wheels.
The mid-engined Samara-EVA, introduced in 1987, came with a turbocharged 16-valve 1,860 cc powerplant featuring electronic fuel injection that delivered . A naturally aspirated variant produced . The only original component retained was the Zhuguli 2106 engine block.
In 1989, the Samara S-Proto was unveiled, boasting an output of . The Samara T3 achieved notable results in the Paris-Dakar Rally, securing seventh place in class in 1990 and fifth in 1991 under the guidance of Jacky Ickx. However, this T3 model incorporated minimal Samara components, instead relying on the four-wheel drive system from the Porsche 959 and powered by a 3.6-litre flat-six Porsche engine. This project represented a significant collaboration between French dealer Lada-Poch, NAMI, and the Tupolev aircraft manufacturer. During the mid-1980s, Lada also introduced its first convertible production car—the Lada Natasha Cabriolet—based on the popular Samara 1300/1500 platform with a manual canvas roof, which was extensively exported across Europe. In certain European markets throughout the 1990s, both Natasha and Samara models were offered with a LADA Niva 4X4 1600 cc engine option.
Exports
The Samara found markets worldwide—from Australia to Canada, throughout Europe, and within the COMECON countries—offering build quality superior to many Eastern European rivals. Local dealers frequently customized vehicles with unique decals or convertible modifications, particularly in Belgium and Germany. The VAZ 21099 sedan version was sold under various names including Sagona (France, Canada, Spain), Diva (Belgium, Netherlands), Forma (Germany), and Sable (Australia, New Zealand).
Right-hand drive configurations were developed for the UK market starting November 1987 until VAZ ceased operations there in July 1997; during this time frame, it stood as Lada's top-selling model in that region.
In regions where diesel engines were preferred due to taxation advantages—such as France and the Benelux countries—a 1.5-litre Peugeot diesel variant was offered between 1995 and 1997.
VAZ’s financial struggles during 1996–1997 severely limited export activities. The Samara was withdrawn from Canada after 1997, leaving only the Lada Niva available in 1998; similarly, exports to Australia and the UK came to an end. GM’s hesitation to provide fuel-injection systems—stemming from concerns about VAZ’s ability to pay—combined with parts shortages and Russia’s political instability during the mid-1990s undermined export feasibility and halted right-hand drive production.
To mitigate these issues, an enhanced quality edition aimed at European customers—the Lada EuroSamara or Samara Baltic—was assembled at Finland’s Valmet Automotive factory in Uusikaupunki from mid-1996 until July 1998. Approximately 14,000 units were produced using around 85% Russian-sourced components.
British market
The United Kingdom did not see the Samara until nearly three years following its debut in the USSR, with sales commencing in November 1987 and experiencing reasonably strong early interest.
A road test by The Motor magazine assessed the vehicle above 5 out of 10 in most categories, praising its comprehensive standard features, an "impressive" engine, clear visibility, competitive performance metrics, fuel economy, handling capabilities, and relative quietness. However, critiques focused on the inexpensive interior materials, plastic trim elements, and subpar handling of road irregularities.
At launch, the Samara’s price was set at £4,795, making it considerably more affordable than competitors such as the Peugeot 309 and Ford Escort 1300. It remained available in the UK market until 4 July 1997 when Lada exited Great Britain and many other export regions. The model achieved greater acceptance in markets that prioritized durability, including Canada, Australia, and Finland.
Although the Samara showed advancements compared to earlier Lada models, its elevated cost placed it in competition with more established Western European rivals. By the time it entered the UK market, the small family car sector was divided: mainstream manufacturers like Ford, Vauxhall, and Volkswagen dominated the larger segment; meanwhile, Eastern European and Asian brands such as Škoda, FSO, Hyundai, and Proton occupied the budget-conscious segment.
By 1996 and 1997, the aging Samara ranked at the bottom of British surveys conducted by JD Power and Top Gear.
Versions
The initial offering consisted of three- and five-door hatchbacks equipped with a 1.3-litre petrol engine; a 1.5-litre variant was introduced in October 1988. Metallic paint options became available with the 1.5 SLX model from November 1989. An entry-level 1.1-litre petrol version (Select or L) was launched in July 1990. A refreshed Samara arrived in April 1991 featuring revised trim levels; a saloon model (VAZ 21099) followed approximately fifteen months later. The saloon received a sporty 1.5 "Juno" edition starting July 1994, which included alloy wheels and body styling kits. Fuel injection systems were added to both the 1.3 and 1.5 engines in August 1996.
Australian market
The Samara made its Australian debut in July 1988 with three-door hatchback and convertible versions available. A three-door "Bizivan" model was marketed without rear seats to qualify as a commercial van, thus benefiting from reduced import tariffs. By 1990, the range was simplified to a single five-door variant named the Lada Cevaro. The three-door returned in 1994 under the name Lada Volante alongside the four-door Lada Sable. Imports ceased by 1996.
In 1988, approximately 6,000 units were modified by Peter Brock's Special Vehicles division into the Lada Samara Sedan Brock Delux. These featured suspension enhancements and a unique body kit, commanding a premium of around A$3,000 over the standard model.
Samara 2
Following 1997, sales of the Samara were largely concentrated within Russia and select international markets with less stringent emissions regulations. The Samara 2—a lightly updated version equipped with a single-point fuel-injected 1,499 cc engine producing 77 hp and an improved gearbox—was introduced in limited quantities as the four-door sedan model 2115 in 1997. Manufactured by VAZ’s special vehicles division, it included upgraded braking systems and interior components borrowed from the VAZ 2110 model. Full-scale production at Togliatti began in 2000; a five-door (2114) variant was added in 2002 followed by a three-door (2113) version in September 2004 to meet dealer requests.
In late 2001, to comply with Euro 3 emission standards, the 1.5-litre engine was upgraded to multi-point fuel injection. Production of the original first-generation Samara ended at Togliatti in 2004 after twenty years but continued at plants operated by Ukraine’s ZAZ and Kazakhstan’s Azia Avto.
An enhanced Samara 2 featuring a modernized 1.6-litre VAZ-11183-20 engine sourced from the VAZ 2110 was introduced in January 2007. Despite newer models like the Lada 110 and Priora capturing much of Russia’s domestic market share, the Samara sustained competitive pricing and consistent sales volumes. Production of sedan variants concluded in December 2012 while hatchback manufacturing persisted until late 2013.
Technical specifications
- Trim options: Multiple trim variants were available depending on the market and production year, with numerous Western European models benefiting from importer enhancements.
Engine details
- Engine codes: VAZ 21081, 2108, 21083, 21084; VAZ 415 (Wankel rotary)
- Valve system: OHC
- Engine capacity (cc): 1100, 1288, 1500, 1568; dual 654 cc for the Wankel engine
- Cylinder bore (mm): 76.0, 76.0, 82.0, 82.0
- Piston stroke (mm): 60.6, 71.0, 71.0, 74.2
- Compression ratio range: Between 9.0:1 and 9.8:1
- Power output: at 5600 rpm (1100), at 5600 rpm (1300), at 4800 rpm (1500), at 5600 rpm (1600), and at 6000 rpm (Wankel)
- Fuel delivery: Either a two-barrel carburetor or multipoint electronic fuel injection system
- Fuel recommendation: Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87
Drivetrain
- Layout: Front-mounted engine driving the front wheels
- Gearbox: Manual transmission with either four or five speeds featuring synchromesh; early versions came with a four-speed only
Chassis
- Available body configurations:
- Updated later models included restyled designs and new codes:
- 3-door hatchback (VAZ 2113)
- 5-door hatchback (VAZ 2114)
- 4-door sedan (VAZ 2115)
Numerous commercial and specialized adaptations were also produced.
- Suspension system:
- Front: MacPherson strut combined with coil springs
- Rear: Longitudinal trailing arms with cross beam and coil springs
- Steering mechanism: Rack-and-pinion type
- Braking system:
- Front brakes: Power-assisted disc brakes
- Rear brakes: Drum brakes
- Wheel size: 13 inches in diameter
- Tire specification: Steel-belted all-season radial tires sized at 165/70x13
Safety by modern standards
In a frontal collision assessment by Russian ARCAP in 2002, the RosLada-produced VAZ-2109 earned a score of 2.7 out of a possible 16 points, indicating a robust structure but absence of contemporary passive safety elements. The five-door VAZ-2114 model later underwent ARCAP testing and received half a star out of four, showing moderate damage to critical body sections but excessive force exerted on the lower leg area.
First generation
During the year 2003, three primary trim levels were available: Standard (codes 00/20 for fuel-injected variants such as the VAZ-21083-00), Norma (01/21), and Luxe (02/22), with differences depending on the body type.
For the three-door hatchback, the Standard trim offered features like an onboard control unit, tweed fabric seats, metallic paint finish, roof luggage rack, and front head restraints; version code 20 incorporated a microprocessor ignition system, electric door locks, and an immobilizer. The Norma trim added tweed seat pockets, door panel upholstery, trunk lining, and an anti-glare sun visor equipped with a mirror; version code 21 introduced a converter and a gasoline vapor recovery mechanism. Luxe trim brought enhancements such as headlamp washers, anti-glare exterior mirrors, and tinted windows.
In the five-door hatchback lineup, Standard included tweed upholstery with seat pockets, fabric door inserts, trunk lining along with rack, front head restraints, and metallic paint; version code 20 matched upgrades found in other body styles. Norma added rear headrests and an anti-glare visor; Luxe featured front power windows and fog lights.
Sedan trims closely followed the five-door hatchback configuration except that fog lamps were incorporated starting from the Norma level.
Second generation
Two trim grades were presented: Norma and Luxe. The Norma level came equipped with steel wheels, an immobilizer system, central locking mechanism, tweed seat fabric, height-adjustable steering column, electric front windows, front head restraints, tailgate spoiler, and door moldings. The Luxe trim upgraded to distinct wheel covers, trip computer functionality, velvet upholstery material, heat-reflective glass, rear headrests, passenger sun visor mirror, and heated front seats.
See also
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